News: Maj. Gen. Abrams re-enlists 25 'Desert Rogues'

Maj. Gen. Robert B. "Abe" Abrams, Regional Command - South and Third Infantry Division commander, signs each of the 25 oath of re-enlistment certificates Thursday, Oct. 18, 2012, in Forward Operating Base Lindsey, Afghanistan. Maj. Gen. Abrams visited 1st Battalion, 64th Armor Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, to administer the oath of re-enlistment to the largest group of soldiers to re-enlist at one time from the unit during this deployment.

“I am grateful every single day that we continue to recruit Americans and retain American soldiers who want to serve their country, because it isn’t for everybody,” said Abrams.

Of the 25 "Desert Rogues" re-enlisting today, 11 did so for the first time, 15 deployed at least twice, and two of those are on their fourth deployment.

“It takes a special breed of American to want to do this and I am grateful for your service, I’m grateful for your sacrifice, and for those of you with families, I’m especially grateful for their sacrifices because it’s not easy on our families,” Abrams said.

Staff Sgt. Phillip Smith, a track vehicle mechanic who enlisted for the first time more than nine years ago, comes from a military family.

“If you enjoy what you do in the Army, if you like leading soldiers, if you’re a leader, continue to do it. Re-enlist. Stay in. The Army wants to keep the best,” said Smith.

“I like what I do, I like leading soldiers. So, I’m going to continue to do that,” he said.

According to 1-64 AR Command Sgt. Maj. Eric B. Littlejohn, there are approximately 700 soldiers assigned to 1-64. During this deployment, 126 of those dedicated soldiers raised their right hand to re-enlist.

Of the 25 who re-enlisted today, nearly half of them chose to stay with 1-64 as they move forward in their Army career, said Littlejohn.

“I honestly believe that they like (the Third Infantry Division),” he said. “It brings a special flair when they’re wearing the Marne Patch.”

Littlejohn added, “There’s always going to be days that are going to be hard. It doesn’t matter if you’re a civilian or you’re in the military. Look at what you have and what there is out there for you, take advantage of all the opportunities and be proud of the fact that you volunteered to stay in the military.”